SoCal Rock Revolution: Keeping Music Fests ExcitingSoCal Rock Revolution: Keeping Music Fests Exciting
One of the best things about living in southern California is that there are international-class bands in your own backyard, some of whom have yet to be discovered by the outside world. So when a local music festival happens, it's almost as if CMJ or SXSW or Bonnaroo has come to you.
SoCal Rock Revolution, happening Saturday, showcases more than 80 bands--with headliners are as diverse as roots reggae masters Eek-A-Mouse and punk stalwart Unwritten Law. Others topping the bill are Kottonmouth Kings, Finch, Hed Pe, and Lower Definition.
Perhaps even better is the chance to check out acts who may be unsigned or otherwise not yet generating buzz. A Smile From The Trenches, who recently went on a tour of the western United States, are a pop-screamo act whom I've been wanting to check out for the last couple of months. Other notable up-and-comers playing SoCal Rock include Lifeline and Back to Square One, says event co-organizer Nick Rosen of AHL Productions.
"We do like to showcase up-and-coming bands. We've had hundreds of the best up-and-coming bands play in this event," which is now in its third year, Rosen said.
Note that I've mentioned screamo, punk, and reggae. As someone who digs bluegrass and hardcore alike, I gotta give props. "It's more (about) music appreciation--there are many different genres of music in this event, with a rock base," Rosen said. Go to SoCal Rock and you just might come away loving a genre you never though much about before.
(Note: SoCal Rock Revolution happens Saturday, Oct. 25 in Los Angeles, CA. For more details, go to http://www.myspace.com/socalrock .)
